Attachment Theory Flashcards
What is Stranger Anxiety
This is when infants are anxious and fearful around strangers, beginning about 8 months of age.
What is the Attachment Bond
This is the emotional bond between an infant and the primary caregiver.
What is the John Bowlby (Father of Attachment Theory) Theory
It says that children are biologically inclined to develop attachments to caregivers due to genetics. They do this to increase their likelihood of survival.
Who is Konrad Lorenz and his Theory
He theorized that if the attachment was important to humans, it may also be important to other species.
What is the Critical Period
This is an important period when certain events must take place to ensure and ease proper development.
What is Imprinting
This is the process where certain animals form attachments during
a critical period very early in life, this is difficult to reverse.
Note:
Ducklings cant imprint but can be attached to what they have known
Who is Harry Harlow
He did a study on attachment and the importance of physical closeness with a caregiver using infant monkeys.
Who is Mary Ainsworth
A psychologist that found that attachment happens through a complex set of interactions between mothers and infants. She designed the “strange situation experiments”
What are Mary Ainsworth Attachments
- Secure Attachments
- Avoidant (insecure) Attachment
- Anxious-Ambivalent Attachment
- Disorganized Attachment
Secure Attachment
Behavior when caregiver left baby: upset and refused to be confronted by a stranger.
Behavior when the caregiver returns: makes effort to touch caregiver and returns to playing
Mother characteristics: sensitive and responsive
Avoidant (insecure) Attachment
Behavior when caregiver left baby: indifferent
Behavior when the caregiver returns: indifferent; may seek contact but then pull back
Mother characteristics: insensitive and unresponsive
Anxious-Ambivalent Attachment
Behavior when caregiver left baby: very distressed
Behavior when the caregiver returns: unsure and resentful of caregiver
Mother characteristics: She is engaged to her own needs first, once met, she then gives attention to the child’s needs
Disorganized Attachment
Behavior when caregiver left baby: rocking/hitting, crying
Behavior when the caregiver returns: they act strangely to the caregiver and don’t seem to know how to attach
Mother characteristics: has severe depression, suffered some type of traumatic loss in life
What is Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
This is a rare serious condition where a child doesn’t form a healthy attachment with their caregivers
